Cape May, Coastal resort city in New Jersey, United States
Cape May sits at the southern tip of the peninsula of the same name in New Jersey and offers access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The coastal sections alternate between beaches, promenades and quieter coves, while the town center extends slightly back from the water.
A Dutch captain reached this coast at the beginning of the 17th century and gave the settlement its name. Two devastating fires at the end of the 19th century destroyed large parts of the town and led to reconstruction in the then-modern building style.
The Washington Street Mall displays typical architecture from the era following the two major fires in the 19th century, which completely reshaped the cityscape. Many buildings still carry the characteristic decorations and color schemes of that period, noticeable when strolling through the center.
The beach area is only a few minutes' walk from the center and is easily reachable on foot. Most shops, restaurants and accommodations are located close to each other, making sightseeing without a car possible.
The local observatory regularly records bird migrations along the coast, which are particularly pronounced here. The location by the water makes this place a stopover for numerous species passing through in spring and autumn.
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